City rugby sides continue to struggle

There was no luck for Galway's Ulster Bank League rugby teams at the weekend, with Galwegians pipped by Ballymena 14-13, and Corinthians falling to Nenagh 34-18.

In division 1B Galwegians suffered yet another frustrating defeat when for the second time this season they lost out to old rivals Ballymena by a solitary point.

The hosts, with the wind, dominated proceedings early on with outhalf Ritchie McMaster putting his side in front with three penalties by the break.

Morgan Codyre, making his first senior appearance at outhalf for Galwegians, opened their account with a penalty, but was then sent to the sin bin for the team's continuing indiscipline. Despite this Wegians continued to apply pressure, and fullback Ciaran Gaffney reduced the gap to 9-6.

However Wegians lost another player to the sin bin when hooker John Moloney was binned for a no-arms tackle, and the hosts took advantage with an unconverted try for a 14-6 lead.

Wegians responded well with a try from winger Ed O’Keeffe, and Codyre landed an excellent touchline conversion to make it a one-point game. However Codyre was unlucky when a penalty attempt rebounded off the crossbar, and despite being camped in the opposition 22, they were simply unable to breach the home defence which was put to the pin of their collar.

Wegians, second from bottom of the league table, prepare for another away trip to Ulster next Saturday to Co Down side Ballinahinch, who suffered a heavy defeat at the weekend away to UCC. Wegians will be looking for one victory that could turn their season around.

In division 1A Corinthians started with a Simon Keller penalty, but Nenagh’s powerful pack paved the way for two tries by the 12th minute. And it got worse for the home side when they spurned a try opportunity and Nenagh capitalised with a third try.

Corinthians almost responded with a try of their own following a brilliant intercept only for the ball to be knocked on, and as play continued, Nenagh ran the ball back, a move that was rewarded with a penalty that ended with Nenagh going over for their third try.

However, Keller grabbed an excellent try to get them back into the contest, and with the added conversion and penalty, the home side closed the gap to 19-13 at the break.

Nenagh, however, stretched the lead with a penalty and bonus point try, leaving Corinthians to play catch-up. Keller grabbed another second Corinthian try, but Nenagh had the last say to deny the home side a bonus point.